Dental bite matrix



Oct. 23, 1951 G. E. DENNIS DENTAL BITE MATRIX Filed Nov. 29, 1949 INVENTOR. I 690 E Jen/22:5

ATTDRN EYE Patented Oct. 23, 1951 UNITED; STATES PATENT OFFICE DENTAL BITE MATRIX George E. Dennis Raleigh, N. C. 7 Application November 29, 1949, Serial No. 129,974

1 Claim.

This invention relates. to impression. casts,

molds, and the like used in dentistry for constructing bridges, plates, and the like, and in particular a dental bite matrix for obtaining the correct adaptation of the opposing upper and lower alveolae of the human mouth.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a dental matrix that is so designed and shaped that when the patient closes his jaw the bite pressure will be evenly distributed along the matrix whereby the patient bites normally as if he had a full set of teeth.

In the usual form of mold formed of wax, cement, plaster of Paris and the like the patient bites where the greatest bulk of material is positioned with the result that the greatest pressure is applied at this point and the bite is distorted. The bulk of material makes it difiicult to obtain a perfect adaptation of the maxilla of the upper and lower jaws and it is also substantially impossible to mark the median and lip lines on the matrix for obtaining proper facial expression. With these thoughts in mind this invention contemplates a comparatively thin plate with spaced recesses in the upper and lower surfaces, an upwardly extended flange around the outer surface and an indentation in the lower surface of the inner edge which is positioned to receive the tongue whereby soft material placed on the plate or matrix may be removed and reseated without distortion.

The object of this invention is, therefore, to provide a dental bite matrix which forms a foundation for soft material and, being comparatively thin, permits the patient to bite substantially through to the normal position, and whereby the correct shape of the roof of the mouth and also of the lower maxilla or lower jaw is attained.

Another object of the invention is to provide a matrix for taking dental impressions of the upper and lower alveolae of the human mouth in which locating means is provided in the matrix ,for soft material positioned against the upper and lower surfaces thereof so that the soft material may be removed and accurately replaced.

A further object of the invention is to provide a matrix for holding soft material for taking dental impressions which is provided with means for accurately locating the soft material in which the impressions are made, which is of a simple and economical construction.

With these and other objects and advantages in view the invention embodies a substantially semi-circular plate having spaced indentations in the upper and lower surfaces, a vertically posi- 2 tioned flange around the arcuate outer edge, and abulging section. in the inner .edge providing a recess in the under surface for the tongue.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description taken in connection with the drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view, taken on line II of Figure 3 showing the upper surface of the matrix.

Figure 2 is a view looking upwardly toward the under surface of the matrix taken on line 2 -2 of Figure 3.

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the matrix taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a cross section through the matrix taken on line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a detail showing the section through the forward part of the matrix taken on line 66 of Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts the dental bite matrix of this invention comprises a plate having an upper surface II], a lower surface I I, an arcuate outer flange I2, and the bulging tongue receiving recess I3.

The upper surface I0 is provided with indentations or recesses I4, I5, and I6, and the lower surface is provided with corresponding recesses I1, I8, and I9, as illustrated in Figure 2.

The outer arcuate flange I2 extends from a point 20 on one side to a point 2| on the opposite side and the flange is provided with the slightly inclined inner surface 22.

The upper side or palatal surface I0 is shaped I to conform with the roof of the mouth whereby with soft material positioned thereon it is possible to obtain a perfect adaptation of the maxilla when the matrix with the soft material thereon is inserted into the mouth and pressure applied.

The recesses I4, I5 and I6 provide positioning means so that if the soft material is removed it may be replaced or reseated accurately upon the matrix.

The lower surface II along the alveola ridge is substantially flat having three indentations I'I, I8 and I9 by which the bite material is held in place so that the impression or bite material can be accurately replaced should it become loose or should it be removed. The lower edge is slightly rounded so that the proper impression of the lower maxilla, with normal, receding or protruding maxilla of the lower jaw may be obtained.

The indentation I3 permits free movement of the tongue while the bite impression is being taken.

The posterior border or edge of the matrix is rounded so as not to trap or press the tissues in the angle of the posterior portions of the jaw.

The front portion 12 is smooth so that the alignment for setting up the teeth on the model can be indicated by marking on the matrix the median and lip lines for proper facial expression.

With the matrix designed and shaped in this manner the bite pressure will be evenly distributed along the matrix when the patient closes his jaws thereby causing the patient to bite normally the same as if he had a full set of teeth.

The matrix, therefore, provides a foundation for the soft bite material and the recesses in the upper and lower surfaces provide accurate positioning means on the bite material should it become loose or separated from the matrix.

It will be understood that modifications rnay be made in the design and arrangement of the elements Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

A dental bite matrix comprising a substantially flat plate having 'a semi-circular outer surface 4 and having an upwardly extended flange are vided with a slightly inclined inner surface, and said flange is formed on the semi-circular portion of the outer surface, the upper and lower surfaces of the matrix having spaced positioning recesses therein, and the inner edge of the matrix having a tongue receiving recess in the under surface thereof, said matrix having an arcuate uppersurface and a flat lower surface and the recesses being of a depth to prevent interference of the recesses with each other on the opposite sides of the plate.

GEORGE E. DENNIS.

REFERENCES CITED The renewing references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 502,164 Bagby July 25, 1893 1,652,910 Psayla Dec. 13; 1927 

